No matter how much they hated each other … fate tied them together. Two sworn enemies are shipwrecked—and are forced to confront the dark secret they both share. Scars, sacrifices, and high adventure in Medieval Scotland. Years ago, Astrid Maclean’s best friend died in a tragic accident … but Astrid doesn’t believe it was an accident. Instead, she holds one man responsible.
Finn MacDonald carries a heavy burden, one that he shares with no one. After a decade away at war, he now serves the Macleans of Duart on the Isle of Mull. However, he still holds a deep resentment toward the locals who once tried to hang him—and the woman who incited their hatred.
When the clan-chief charges them both with a vital mission on the eve of war with the neighboring clan, Astrid and Finn are forced to work alongside each other.
They set off to get help from allies, but when a violent storm hits their ship and they are shipwrecked on a desolate isle, their journey goes awry.
Suddenly, two sworn enemies are thrown together in a fight for survival.
And when they are, the truth about the past … and how they really feel about each other … is finally revealed.
THE LADY HE LOATHED is Book Three of an exciting new Medieval Scottish Romance trilogy by Jayne Castel—full of flawed yet irresistible Highland warriors and determined Scottish lasses!
Multi-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Thank you to Jayne Castel for another deliciously good digital arc she granted me through Booksprout for the Lady He Loathed in exchange for a fair and honest review. I couldn't wait to read the anticipated finale of the Rogues of Mull and learn Finn and Astrid's story.
The Lady He Loathed is the third and final book in the exciting, swoony historical romance series featuring Scottish rogues based on the Isle of Mull by Jayne Castel. Jayne's compelling storytelling style immerses you into a plot of action, danger, sizzling tensions, and heart-warming redemption romance between enemies-to-lovers. The pacing is fast and pounding with emotion, drama, and more twists and turns than the rope of a birlinn sail's rigging with Finn and Astrid on a mission to bring allies to Mull as clan MacLean faces their darkest hour. My heart threatened to pound out my chest for the duration of this book – full of tears, sacrifice, and love in the epic fight for survival and race against time.
I love Jayne Castel's characters – she writes terrific highland historical hunks to seduce our hearts and daring, feisty lasses to root for who won't give their counterparts an easy ride. The Lady He Loathed delivered an amazing enemy-to-lovers dynamic – the hatred between Finn and Astrid is palatable, reeling off the page as you read. You can feel it toxically swirling between them in the previous books, but it comes to a head in this book as we learn the entire backstory of the circumstances around Astrid's friend's death that nearly saw Finn hung for murder. Astrid's journey to forgiveness is a storm-filled voyage across perilous seas and facing her inner demons to face her anger, guilt and envy that inspired the hatred harboured by Finn. I think there was a little resentment towards her father's failure to see the justice she wanted for her friend's death – adding to the rage she leveled at Finn over the years
I would've loved to sweep Finn into a big hug – he's been through the wars, abandoned by those who should have loved him, and then viewed with hatred and mistrust by the community he served for a death blamed upon him. He's more loyal to the MacLean clan people than I could have mustered. He is completely swimming in a river called Denial about his attraction and buried feelings for Astrid.
If you love historical settings, highlander heroes, broody, sexy with a touch of rogue, and strong leading ladies who can hold their own and have a long-time grudge, add Jayne Castel to your TBR now! All her books are on Kindle Unlimited for you to enjoy – and there are so many to devour! You will be spoiled for choice! I've loved the entire series of the Rogues of Mull – I'm pleased to see hints that Jayne is continuing this wonderful set featuring some of the other roguish characters we have met during our stay in Mull. I can't wait for the next book, The Pirate's Indecent Proposal, featuring a roguish pirate, Alec Rankin, and a twist on a Mull legend about Lady's Rock. I can't wait to jump back into Jayne Castel's medieval Scottish world in February 2025!
Book: The Lady He Loathed Author: Jayne Castel Series: The Rogues of Mull, Book #3 Release Date: July 11, 2024 Publisher: Winter Mist Press Print Length: 244 Pages Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flag
Duart Castle Isle of Mull, Scotland, 1315
Astrid Maclean blames Finn MacDonald for her best friend's death who passed away tragically in a horrific accident. Now Finn MacDonald has just returned after spending a decade at war.
Finn has returned to the Isle of Mull and serves the Maclean clan although he still has many mental scars. As many of the village locals tried to hang him and the leader of the pack was Astrid Maclean who is Loch Maclean’s sister. Luckily her father, Laird Iain Maclean who is now deceased, had believed Finn and saved his life.
The current Laird Loch Maclean, is also best friends with Finn MacDonald which puts him between a rock and a hard place. However Finn really hates Astrid with every fiber of his being, afterall he was almost murdered because of her prejudice and hatred!
Now his chief Loch Maclean has sent them both on a mission together at the beginning of a war with an enemy clan. So Astrid and Finn have to work together which neither is thrilled to do with so much hatred in their heart. Yet they have to put their animosity aside so this mission will succeed. Can they do it?
Unfortunately their ship hits rough choppy waters in a horrific storm where they land on a desert island. Now they have to rely on each other to survive which includes past confessions that include past infatuations with each other. Can they forget and forgive? Can two enemies survive? Will they be able to manage, read and discover their fate in this nailbiter!
Another stunning book that my go-to-author pens another heartwarming story that was so awe-inspiring with many twists and turns that I absolutely loved. Who is not captivated by a friends to lovers storyline that romance readers will absolutely love! Plus being the last book in series is like a mini book characters reunion where Loch, Jack, Finn and the women they all love make appearances in this extraordinary series finale. A book I read in one sitting as it was definitely a book I could not put down! A book not to be missed that I highly recommend.
I personally think readers will get more knowing about these three swoon worthy heroes' backgrounds if they read all three books in the series. Again this is just my personal observation, as this can be read as a stand alone book in the remarkable “Rogues of Mull” series too.
The Rogues of Mull
1.The Lass He Left Behind 2.The Bride He Stole 3.The Lady He Loathed
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from Booksprout and the author for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
The Lady He Loathed Rouges of Mull #3 Jayne Castel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finn MacDonald has been carrying a very heavy burden. One that doesn't make his life easy. He now serves the Macleans of Duart on the Isle of Mull, but he holds a very deep resentment towards the locals who once tried to hang him. Only the Laird saved his life and he will forever be grateful for that. However living with the new Lairds sister is not easy as she is the one who got the locals all against him in the first place.
Astrid Maclean will not let it go. She will go to the ends of the earth to make Finn's life a living nightmare so when her brother (the clan chief) charges them both with a vital mission on the eve of war she's not happy.
Astrid and Finn both will have to try to live side by side and work together instead of against each other for once. They set off to get help from allies, but a freak storm comes upon them breaking their boat to pieces and taking many lives. They end up shipwrecked on a desolate Isle together with only each other to rely upon.
And the truth finally comes out as well as how they feel about each other is revealed.
Jayne Castel is one of my go to authors and this book is one of the reasons why. Get ready to go on an adventure that you will not soon forget. This book is absolutely brilliant and well worth the five stars I gave it. Finn is truly troubled and as the truth comes out I couldn't help, but feel for him. Here is a man who's been through so much yet he has found a way to hide his inner injuries and go on. He never let's on to anyone what he told the Laird that day and I can totally understand why. Then we have Astrid. She is so angry with Finn for something that wasn't his fault and when he tells her the truth she doesn't know what to believe anymore.
Yet through this these two come together and fight for kin and clan and it is utterly amazing. This book was so good that I had a hard time putting it down. It's got to be the best book that Ms. Castel has ever written. I'm actually sad that it's done and just hope that we get another peek at how Astrid, Finn, and everyone else are doing. That's one of the best things about Ms. Castel's books. You always get to see the other families you loved in previous books and it makes you feel like you are a part of the clan.
I think it's a pity that this series has already come to an end. I really enjoyed all three parts. This book also captivated me right from the start. I was already familiar with the protagonists and the tension between them from the previous books. Of course, I knew that Astrid and Finn hated each other, but it is only in this part that the reader finds out what really happened between them. I also knew that I would love their story and I was not disappointed. Both characters are very complex, both struggle with their own pasts and insecurities. The well written plot is an enemies to lovers story with a great imagery, lots of action, adventure, danger, some twists, romance and sizzling hot passion. There is also a showdown with the arch enemy of the Maclean Clan.
Over a decade ago, Astrid's best friend died in a boat accident and since then she is convinced that Finn is her murderer. Finn, in turn, hates Astrid because he was almost lynched by an angry mob because of her.
Shortly before the Maclean clan is attacked by their arch-enemy, Astrid Maclean and Finn MacDonald are reluctantly tasked with seeking out their allies and asking for their support. But on the way there, they are caught in a devastating storm and their boat sinks, stranding the two enemies on a small deserted island where, despite their pent-up emotions, they must work together to survive and save the clan...
I am happy to recommend this book to anyone who loves authentic medieval Highland stories full of adventure, passion and endearing characters!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a rollicking adventure that fits 10lbs of sugar into a 5lb bag – aka, there’s A LOT going on. This is a true enemies-to-lovers – the HATE is real. And you can feel it throughout the first two books in this series, what we don’t understand is WHY do Finn and Astrid have so much animosity between them. FINALLY, we get answers! But as we all know – the line between love and hate is thin indeed.
For years, Finn has stoically bore the brunt of suspicion, having been accused of a crime long ago – with the flames fanned mercilessly by Astrid. I’m not sure we get the opportunity to fully unpack the impact of Finn’s isolation – both self-imposed and from the community at Duart Castle. As I say, the story really keeps you moving along. But being shipwrecked together is a great plot device to strip away all other considerations – and, in this case, creates an opportunity for Finn and Astrid to really talk for the first time.. basically EVER.
The story gallops towards the ending and an epic battle – showing that there is far more to Astrid than meets the eye! - which gives a satisfying conclusion to the threat of war that’s been hanging over the inhabitants of Mull since book 1. I love when, in the final book in a series, the author brings together all the characters from previous books and I’m excited to see this author will continue writing with some of the other side characters we met along the way!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Lady He Loathed is the third book in the Rogues of Mull Series by Jayne Castel. All three were good, but this is the best in my opinion. It starts with a horse and rider barreling into the courtyard. His message: twenty birlinns are heading for the Dounarwyse Castle. They need help. Finn MacDonald, the Captain of the Guard, knows that Laird Loch MacLean has only 5 birlinns to offer for assistance.
Finn and Astrid, the Laird’s sister, are at odds to the point that Astrid accused Finn of murdering her childhood friend a long time ago. She has not forgotten his roll in her friend’s death nor forgiven him. But, someone has to ask other clans for help. So, Laird Loch sends Finn and Astrid with a group of soldiers to negotiate help from the Macleods of Skye. Along the way, the weather changes and a storm overturns their boat. This starts the adventure for Finn and Astrid.
Will they drown or wash up on land? Can two people so at odds with each other agree to be cordial long enough to at least get the needed birlinns? Will they survive to even ask for help? Will it arrive in time to save Dounarwyse Castle from an invasion and destruction?
As a reader, I was completely immersed in this story by Jayne Castel. There are so many wonderful characters with plenty of action, adventure, enemies, and emotion.
I recommend this book for a pleasurable afternoon of reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From hate can they find love? An amazing conclusion to the Rogues of Mull series where all three couples are featured in this story. A beautifully written and heartfelt story of anger, confessions, remorse, forgiveness and love, along with being shipwrecked, rescued and going to war this book has it all and will keep you engrossed until the end. Astrid and Finn can barely stand being in the same room together let alone be sent on a mission together. Hating each other for years now after a terrible accident took Astrid’s best friend, these two now need to put their feelings aside to gain outside help to protect their clan from the enemies on their doorstep. This is a story of two peoples deep seated anger that neither can find it in their hearts to alter, until another tragedy brings them together and Finn’s truth is spilled. Slowly altering Astrid’s perspective and showing a different picture of the tragic event that happened many years ago. Can these two put all their bad feelings aside and live the life they had so long ago dreamed of? In my opinion this book is best read in order so that you experience everything that is going on throughout the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Oh, this is so good! There’s a fine line between love and hate, and unbeknownst to them, Astrid and Finn have been walking it for years. This is one action-packed tale filled with everything from a shipwreck and pirates, to revealed secrets, a surprise wedding and a new life. When word arrives that Kendric Mackinnon has gathered allies and is enroute to destroy the castle at Dounarwyse. Astrid and Finn are sent to Skye to seek reinforcements while Loch leads his troops from Duart to support those at Dounarwyse. A fierce storm maroons Astrid and Finn on an unihabited island where the two enemies make startling and life altering discoveries. Six days after they left, Finn, Astrid and their allies arrive in the midst of battle. Knives are thrown, injuries occur and lives are lost before an unexpected arrival turns the tide. Meanwhile, Astrid and Finn wrestle with their feelings for each other. This story is dramatic, emotional, captivating, and non-stop action. Even though Finn’s backstory will break your heart, he is one sigh-worthy brooding hero who deserves a happy ending. Loved this story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enemies to lovers is always a favorite trope of mine. Jayne Castel is a brilliant writer that has been building up to this book since book one. The hate and animosity Astrid showed to Finn in previous books left no doubt their book would be interesting. Jayne did not disappoint. While this book can be read alone, I highly recommend the series. There wasn't a dull moment in this book. The book flowed at a quick pace and I did not want to put it down. With the Macleans going to war, Astrid and Finn and forced together to bring allies to help. Finally after all these years, she hears the truth from Finn about how her best friend died. Discussing the past finally bring them to a future. There were a lot of emotions pouring off the pages and not only from the main characters. It was nice to have appearances of previous characters. I am already wanting to read books for the newly introduced characters. ***** There are a few well-written steamy scenes for those that like them or for those that prefer to avoid them. I highly recommend this book, this series, and previous books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hate, Battles, Honor, Fated Love: This is one gripping story where Astrid and Finn take us into a flurry of terror, secrets, a horrific shipwreck that had me gasping for breath along with a terrifying battle that makes you feel like you're right there fighting with the characters and then the story captures your heart when you watch as this love hate romance changes course and takes us into a heartfelt passionate love affair that captured my heart. Finally admitting their mistakes and being honest changes everything and we find a super happy ending to a thrilling story 📚 I thoroughly enjoyed this books as I was entirely consumed by the characters and the story. Love the entire series. 💋Cover looks just like the characters in the story. Great visual effect. 🏴☠️Yahooooo: To Blood Reiver Emerald Sail that made my heart sore with glee. 💪Favorite character: Alec the pirate who added much to get this love story moving. 💖Passion 3 of 5 👀I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
Astrid has held Finn responsible for her friend’s death, to the extent that she riled up the villagers to hang him: they failed when the Laird stepped in, now years later she still hated him with a vengeance. Finn has kept secret what happened all those years ago, only telling the Laird when he saved him. After Astrid’s behaviour, he has hated her with as much vengeance as she does him. When she and Finn are sent on a mission by her brother, they are shipwrecked on a remote island with very little food and fresh water and very little chance of rescue. Wow! This was an amazing read: Finn and Astrid finally sit down and talk while shipwrecked and start to slowly heal. They don’t have an easy time while there and the threat of war is constantly on their minds. So much happens in this book and you meet some interesting characters that my well pop up in future books, I hope. I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
Jayne Castel is one of my fav. authors but she is also a great writer. Through her descriptions, she lets the reader feel, hear and smell medieval Scotland. I've read her work and she never disappoints. Her writing is so authentic, so true to detail, that I felt like I was right in the middle of it. The characters are very well developed, the plot is action packed and I didn't want to put it down, but at some point I needed sleep. So the blurb is known and I don't want to spoil it. It's about 2 people sworn enemies stranded together in a difficult situation, afraid to love and acknowledge their feelings but you need to read it and find out the rest. I surely enjoyed it as I always do with her work. So go on and dive in to her Scotland.
This is the last book in the series. The story holds your interest from beginning to end. On this story we meet other past characters but we also most importantly get the story of Finn and Astrid and the reason behind all the hostility between them. This comes to a peak when they are tasked by her brother on a mission. There boat ended up in a bad storm and they end up shipwrecked , and forced to deal with each other. While here the truth comes out and both then must sort out their feelings . This changes the dynamics with them but they still face a lot of ups and downs before a peaceful end will come their way. I enjoyed the story very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After years of believing Finn was responsible for her friend's death and publicly accusing him, Astrid is sent by her brother on a mission with that very man. When Finn and Astrid are shipwrecked on a small island, the truth comes out and is not close to Astrid's beliefs. Now their attraction is real and they do not know if they will be rescued and by whom, they need to work together to survive. Jayne Castel gives us a great read, compelling characters, and a well-paced storyline, full of action, drama, sizzle, and steam. This was a great read and a solid series!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Finn is captain of the guard for Loch Maclean. Astrid is Loch’s sister. Finn and Astrid have been at each other’s throats for the last 10 years since Astrid’s best friend Maggie was drowned while out on boat with Finn. Astrid blames Finn for the death and incited the town against him. Their hatred for each other grew over the years. Then Loch asked Finn to escort Astrid to seek help from an ally. They were shipwrecked alone and shared their truths. But it may have been too little too late. I loved the brooding, handsome, loyal, stoic Finn. However I did not like Astrid. I found her cruel and vengeful and bitter. Great story though.
To me, Finn and Astrid's story was the best in series! While I adore all three rogues, Finn always had that mysterious aura about him, and in this book, we find out why. Astrid holds ill feelings towards Finn for something she doesn't understand, and Finn is so stoic with tall emotional walls that it takes a tragedy to bring them closer physically and emotionally. This was a fantastic conclusion for the Rogues of Mull series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Both Finn and Astrid have been through traumatic events one they even shared. Their pasts have made them stronger and shaped them permanently including a feud between lasting over 10 years. But there is a thing line between love and hate and a near death experience can change everything. A rollercoaster emotional ride with a brilliant ending. Loved it, cannot wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a great end to the series! I love enemies to lovers stories, but this one was so good!! There was such a lot of growth on both characters’ parts and their happily ever after was so hard fought for. I didn’t think it was possible to get better than the previous two installments, but this series was fantastic in its entirety!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved all the exciting, adventure, twists, tension, and incredible scenes. Astrid is a wonderfully complex woman, I loved all she was capable of. Finn is decisive, full of confidence, and courage. I was riveted to the pages through to the last page. The intriguing detail, well rounded characters, chemistry, and secrets will not let you down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Astrid Maclean loathes Finn McDonald , she blames him for the death of her friend Maggie, Finn in turn dislikes Astrid as well, but circumstances force them to travel together on a mission to help Astrids brother the Laird ... Will these two be able complete their mission , you'll have to read the book to find out I so enjoyed their story , would have given more stars if possible.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is part of the Rogues of Mull series. Having been to Scotland, it was fun to have an adventure described that highlights so much of the culture and the land. This storyline is rich in detail and interesting components to tell the love story. The characters are well written and have great chemistry. The banter and witty comments are entertaining. I enjoyed this book. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was truly impressed with this book it’s the 3rd book in the series. With characters that you get attached to and and a storyline that draws you in and keeps you read cause you just have to know what happens with these two characters that have been emotionally at each other over the death of someone years ago. I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a surprisingly good read. Devastating and sweet, full of angst and deeply affecting. I loved Finn’s character the most, he truly went through it poor guy. But didn’t quite like the drawn out subplot of the war, I thought we could’ve spent more time with the 2 love interests instead. And a major pet peeve of mine - why do we need to know that Astrid is as thin as a reed every single chapter?!! Still don’t know why authors insist telling us a FMC looks like a child. Hello????
The Lady He Loathed tackled themes a bit heavier than I'm used to seeing from Jayne Castel and I wasn't disappointed! The final book in the Rogues of Mull trilogy, this book was a wonderful, heartfelt ending to--what I believe--is Castel's best series yet!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Astrid & Finn have quite the war going on. Who would think there was more. Love Jayne’s books. Her writing has you riding the waves, the storms, the battles & sweet life in the loch & hills. Loved my time with all these characters. Well worth the purchase & to read again & again!
A story of redemption for past deeds whether they were meant to harm or not. The author can tell a story with heart that will have you thinking that you are there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.